Lufkin native Dez Bryant becoming one of Cowboys' leaders

2014-07-25T23:35:54Z2014-09-23T23:36:02Z

OXNARD, CA (KLTV) -
Since 2012, Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is tied for first in the NFL with 25 touchdown catches and is sixth in receiving yards. But entering his fifth year in the league, the Lufkin native is beginning to have a bigger impact on the team off the field.

Our sports director Ryan Peterson has covered Bryant since his days at Lufkin and talked with the East Texan after practice on Friday. "It is amazing you know playing high school football and making it to the NFL is every kids dream man," Bryant said. "Being in this position seeing you, remember seeing you in high school you know it means a lot you know."

Bryant added, "You know I tend to get emotional as I speak because it's always been a dream and I can't believe it. Sometimes like right know I get lost for words just because you know how amazing of a blessing it is."

Head coach Jason Garrett also shared his thoughts on Bryant, "He's gotten much more mature as a person," Garrett said. "He handles the game in a much more professional manner than he did when he first got here. It's showing up in his play."

Jason Garrett says Bryant brings an unmatched amount of passion and energy to the Cowboys. Entering his fifth season the 2010 first round pick has transformed into a team leader and one of the key faces of the Dallas Cowboys. "The feeling in unreal," Bryant said. "I grew up a Cowboys fan, playing with the Cowboys three hours away from Lufkin. That's that's the best thing anybody can get being a football player."

Garrett added, "Just watch him in practice. He's just a guy who loves to play this game. He's always trying to get better and it's one of the reason we love him."